FG Speaks On Simon Ekpa’s Arrest In Finland

informantonline.com.ng

November 23, 2024

On Friday, the Federal Government credited Nigeria’s persistent diplomatic pressure on Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile.

Ekpa, along with four other individuals, was apprehended on Thursday on suspicion of terrorist activities. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has since decided to hold him in detention, citing probable cause and his alleged role in inciting violence through social media.

Following Ekpa’s arrest, the Nigerian government stated that it is closely monitoring the legal proceedings related to his case.

Read Also: Defence Headquarters React To Simon Ekpa’s Arrest In Finland

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm the arrest of Mr Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024,” spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement.

The ministry stated that it would closely monitor the progress of Ekpa’s legal case, highlighting the significance of the proceedings in tackling the impact of IPOB and transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.

“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

“The Ministry wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security.

“The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement added.